HAUT APPÉTIT

All American Gluten Free Apple Crisp

2013-05-23T14:23:00.003-04:00

Its Memorial Day in America this weekend, and for my ever-growing European audience who doesn't know what this is, Memorial Day commemorates all those who died in military service fighting for the USA. Its a big holiday to say the least...! This year I'm showing my respect to the national holiday by baking a quintessential All American dessert. And what comes to mind when I think America and dessert? Anything apple... The triple 'A' rating: All American Apple.

I try to stay gluten free (although I allow some naughty gluten once in awhile), so have made a GF version without compromising on the full apple crisp, maple cinnamon gooey, and pecan crumble crunch, that is apple crisp. What are you baking this Memorial Day weekend? And if you're not a Yank... there's always good reason to bake apple crisp :)

All American Gluten Free Apple Crisp

You will need...

Crumble topping:
3/4 cup gluten free flour
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp xanthan gum
8 Tblsp (1/2 cup) cold butter, cut into cubes
1 cup rolled whole oats
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped

Apple filling:
5 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/2 inch chunks
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 maple syrup
2 Tblsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg

4 medium ramekins (6 small ramekins)

To do...

Preheat oven to 375F/180C. Arrange the ramekins on a large baking sheet and set aside.

Crumble Topping:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, light brown sugar, salt, cream of tartar, and xanthan gum. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture with two knives or a pastry cutter until you get a fine crumbly mixture.

Add the oats and pecans and work the mixture together in your hands, squeezing the mixture until it forms soft clumps. Place in the freezer to chill while preparing the apples.

Apple Filling:

Once the apples have been peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2 inch chunks, in a large bowl combine the apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and maple syrup. Stir until the apples are well coated in the mixture.

Assembly:

Divide the apples into the 4 ramekins (or 6 if using small ones). Take the crumble topping out of the freezer and sprinkle over each ramekin. Bake in the oven for approx 30-40mins, or until deep golden brown on top, and the apple filling is bubbling. Remove from oven and serve warm.

This apple crisp is best enjoyed with vanilla ice cream!

Stars and stripes completes the All American fashion dream right? I've come half-way, combining stripes with leopard and a touch of polka dot... Its all about mixing prints this summer! My All American look wearing American designers and vintage, except my Céline tote... But there's always room for Céline.

I'm wearing:
vintage scarf and sunglasses,
American Apparel romper, Céline tote,
Jenni Kayne flats

Shop My Look!

And for my readers, I'm letting you in on the HUGE SALE happening at Nordstrom's over Memorial Day Weekend! I'm shopping, are you?

Also... I recently joined VINE... Are you on it? Download the app and follow for more yummy videos!

Chia Seed Fig & Walnut Muffins

2013-05-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

I wanted a healthy muffin for my breakfast that was easy to make and tasty enough to fill me up until lunch. But who am I kidding, I would eat them any time of day, especially late evenings blogging away with my tea. These might seem like a boring addition to your morning food intake, but how surprised you will be at their soft and fluffy texture combined with the sweet and nutty goodness, inherent to figs and walnuts. Chia seeds pack powerful Omega 3's, and will give you so much energy that you'll annoy your co-workers...!

Figs and walnuts make the happiest of marriages in both sweet and savoury dishes, so they've always made their way easily into my desserts... After baking these muffins, try my Fig & Walnut Pancakes! Always eat the best - because your stomach is worth it.

Chia Seed Fig & Walnut Muffins

You will need...

1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup cultured coconut
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup olive oil (any kind - it won't alter the taste)
1.5 cups gluten free flour
1/2 cup almond flour
Tblsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup dried figs, soaked in water
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

To do...

Preheat oven to 375F/190C. Grease a muffin tin with oil (olive or coconut oil will do).

In a large bowl, combine honey, cultured coconut, egg yolk, vanilla, and oil until well combined.

In a separate bowl combine the flour, almond flour, chia seeds, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry to wet ingredients until you get a smooth batter.

Dried figs soaked in water.

Stir in the figs that have been soaking in water to soften, and chopped walnuts.

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin tin cups. Bake at 375F for 5mins, then turn the oven down to 350F/180C and continue to bake for 10-12mins or until golden on top.

Makes about 12 muffins.

This morning I'm embracing the warmer weather by stepping out in a mini skirt, wedges, all the while keeping it sophisticated with a navy blazer - a key trend for spring.

I'm wearing:
Thierry Lasry sunnies, vintage blazer,
Zara mini dress, Topshop leopard belt,
Dior bag, Aldo wedges

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Small Brownie Bites, Big Chocolate Flavour!

2013-05-16T13:34:00.000-04:00

Brownies. Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. I tell myself that I don't need them, the they're fattening and won't do anything positive for my life. And then they come out of the oven and I want to eat the whole pan.

The eternal optimist, I have created a solution to those brownies that you hate to love, or love to hate - that fine line, often one in the same. Smaller bites, packed with chocolate flavour, but lower fat, and not to mention gluten and dairy free, these will take out all the hate so that you can't live without 'em.

Small Brownie Bites, Big Chocolate Flavour!

You will need...

* For this recipe it is important all ingredients are at room temp.
1/2 cup coconut oil
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1.5 Tblsp almond milk
2 egg yolks, plus 1 egg
1 tsp coffee extract, or 1 Tblsp espresso
100g dark chocolate (1 bar)
1 cup brown rice flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder (I used sweetened, add 1/4 cup more sugar if unsweetened)
1/2 tsp xanthan gum
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup whole hazelnuts
coarse sea salt to top

To do...

Preheat oven to 350F/180C. Line an 8 x 8 baking pan with parchment paper (grease the sides with coconut oil).

Break the chocolate into pieces and melt in the microwave. Set aside to cool.

In a stand-mixer, or manually, beat the coconut oil and light brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg yolks and egg, then the almond milk, and coffee extract, and beat until smooth. Finally add the melted chocolate to the mixture and beat until combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown rice flour, cocoa powder, xanthan gum, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet until combined (don't over beat). The mixture will be wet and sticky.

Finally stir in the whole hazelnuts to the mixture.

Scoop the mixture into the baking pan and bake for 30-35mins.

Remove from oven and allow to cool. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt to bring out the bold chocolate flavour!

Make about 24 brownie bites.

This week I'm going for a bold look that's still easy enough to work into the every day. Instead of bold colours, I'm using stand-out prints and textures (think embroidery and snake skin) to get the same effect. I can't live without my prints this season!

I'm wearing:
vintage Emilio Pucci top, Zara skirt, Nicholas Kirkwood pumps, vintage bag

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Mother's Day Goddess Cake

2013-05-08T21:50:00.000-04:00

My mother is a goddess. (And I like to think she rubbed off on me heh...) I made this cake with her in mind - generous, soft, and richly sweet! She also loves her pavlova, so this cake is part pav part giant macaron, filled with heavenly cream and berries. Light and elegant, just like her, for Mother's Day.

For those of you who think your mother is a goddess, this cake is the one to make for her on Mother's Day! And if you're a mother... Well, you deserve a treat, you goddess!

Mother's Day Goddess Cake

You will need...

4 egg whites
1/2 cup hazelnut meal (finely ground hazelnuts)
1 cup super fine sugar (caster sugar), plus 1/2 cup sugar for cream filling
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white wine vinegar
3 cans full fat coconut milk, (*can use regular heavy cream for whipping)
1/2 pint raspberries
1/2 pint strawberries, quartered

To do...

Meringue Cake:
Preheat oven to 400F. Line the base of two 8 x 2" cake pans with parchment paper. (Trace around the bottom of the pans on parchment paper and cut out circle shape to fit). Grease the inside edges with vegetable oil.

In a stand-mixer, or with electric beaters, whisk the egg whites until stiff. Continue whipping and slowly add 1 cup sugar, vanilla, and vinegar. Turn off the beaters. Gently fold in the hazelnut meal until just combined. Be careful not to mix too much otherwise you will lose air in the mixture.

Divide the mixture evenly into the cake pans and gently spread to the edges. Bake for 10mins, then turn down the oven temperature to 350F and continue baking for approx 25mins, or until slightly golden on top.

Remove from oven, and allow the meringues to cool completely before removing them from their pans.

Cream filling:
I like to be dairy-free when ever I can, so I used whipped coconut cream instead of regular whipping cream (its also less fat!)

If you use heavy whipping cream, just whip until stiff and slowly add 1/2 cup sugar to sweeten. If using coconut cream: Place the coconut cans upside-down in the fridge and cool for 2-3 hours. Remove from fridge, and open from the bottom-side (don't flip them over!) Drain out the coconut water, and use the cream left at the bottom for whipping.

In a stand-mixer or with electric beaters, whip the coconut cream until light and fluffy, add 1/2 cup sugar. Turn off beaters and fold in the raspberries and strawberries.

Assembly:
Spread half of the cream filling over one meringue cake. Top with the other meringue, and finally add the rest of the cream on top.

I love adding red accents to a very subtle and casual look - think red lips, shoes, or bag. It adds some love without being too much. Try it this Mother's Day...!

I'm wearing:
Nicholas Kirkwood pumps, vintage python clutch,
American Apparel trousers, Topshop tank

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Street Style Pics by Infashuated.com

Afternoon Tea at The Shangri-La Toronto

2013-05-06T14:56:00.000-04:00

Afternoon tea is one of those heavenly pastimes of mine that is now becoming more of a ritual in the foreign cities I visit. The traditional ceremony of fine tea paired with indulgent desserts, often modernised by every venue's different take on the presentation, is a cultural niche that I have always enjoyed. Most recently I was treated to tea at The Shangri-La Toronto, one of several luxurious hotels of the Asian hotel group, and one of only two in North America (the other in Vancouver). And of course, I wore the very current polka dot to tea...

The Shangri-La Toronto boasts the largest tea assortment in North America, host to 68 different premium teas from around the world! Overwhelmed with the selection, I ended up choosing two: The Royal Earl Grey with a hint of rose, and naturally (always the cheeky girl), I selected a pot of Kama Sutra Chai Seductive Tea, which speaks for itself... If it wasn't the flaming red dragon teacups alone, I was seduced.

From top clockwise: Passionfruit, Hazelnut, Maple & Foie Gras, Rose Water & Lychee, Cassis

First up was the patisserie cart that they wheeled over to my delight, offering a variety of delicate pastries and macarons, including a maple & foie gras flavour. Can we all just pause and think about this - maple and foie gras flavoured macaron. Indeed.

Banana cake pastry

The Shangri-La Passionfruit Mousse

Patisserie cart in tow...

Next, the tea tray came out with a selection of finger sandwiches and desserts - all gluten free upon my request.

Selection of finger sandwiches

Coconut tapioca pudding, chocolate cake with fresh berries, hazelnut macaron.

Home made berry preserve with Devonshire cream, scones, and lemon pound cake.

Chocolate cake (I already ate the berries oops)

Coconut tapioca pudding with pineapple and sesame croute.

Rose & Lychee macaron. You can just about taste it can't you...

Biting into a Cassis macaron... don't mind if I do.

Ok so I had too much fun at tea (I think it was the polka dots - they always put me in a good mood).

And as Mother's Day is conveniently upon us this weekend, I recommend this afternoon tea for all you moms and daughters (and sons!) needing a good excuse to stuff your bouche with tea cakes. Serving in The Shangri-La Lobby Lounge, the live music, and plush couches await your sweet tooth. Contact the hotel for more details.

I'm wearing:
Zara top, American Apparel leather skirt,
Zara python belt, custom Python clutch,
vintage python pumps

The polka dot is a comeback micro-trend this summer, as is python... and how cute they look together! You heard it from the pages of Haut Appétit - polka and python is a spring/summer must.

Always dress up for tea people - no excuses.

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***

And speaking of afternoon teas... The Goring Hotel in London has recently been awarded the top afternoon tea by the UK Tea Council's Tea Guild Awards (which are like The Oscars of the tea world)! We need this in North America! I will have to try The Goring afternoon tea now won't I... This calls for a trip to London!

Guilt-Free Chocolate Mousse for The Blonde Salad!

2013-05-03T10:19:00.000-04:00

This week Chiara Ferragni and I collaborated to make a delicious low-fat, low-sugar, dairy-free chocolate mousse! Check out the recipe exclusively at TheBlondeSalad.com

Get The Skinny On Guilt-Free Mocha Mousse

2013-04-30T01:50:00.000-04:00

Summer is approaching and I'm sure many of us are trying to keep trim for the impending short shorts season. I still want my sweet fix, but one that won't erase the hours of Brazilian Butt Buster workouts. I'm sure we can all relate... So I've whipped up this dairy and sugar free Mocha Mousse for some very naughty, but equally delicious indulgence.

With a hint of chocolate and full-bodied coffee flavour, this mousse is delicately topped with chopped hazelnuts and a chocolate covered coffee bean to serve as an equally impressive, but easy-to-make dessert for guests, or even a night-in solo! Why not make an impressive dessert just for yourself!

Guilt-Free Mocha Mousse

You will need...

1 can full-fat coconut milk

2 Tblsp unsweetened cocoa powder

2 Tblsp Stevia (you can use regular sugar if you wish)

2 tsp coffee extract, or 1-2 Tblsp strong espresso

1 cup hazelnuts, finely chopped

4-6 chocolate covered coffee beans (optional)

To do...

Flip the coconut milk can upside-down and place in the fridge for several hours to cool. The coconut cream will separate from the coconut milk. Remove from fridge, keeping it flipped-upside down, and open the can from the bottom side. Drain out the coconut milk. You will have coconut cream left at the bottom! Scoop this out and place in a large bowl.

In a stand-mixer or with electric beaters, whip the coconut cream until light and fluffy. Add the cocoa powder, Stevia, and coffee extract. Whip until well combined.

Spoon the mousse into your serving cups, and place in the fridge to chill for another 20mins. I used glass espresso cups as serving cups. You can also spoon the mousse into a pastry bag, and pipe the mousse into the serving dishes (which is what I did), for a cleaner presentation.

Remove from fridge and sprinkle the tops with the finely chopped hazelnuts, and finally one chocolate covered coffee bean.

Makes about 4-6 servings in espresso cup size portions.

This summer don't miss galavanting around town in a pair of leather shorts. For a chic look, pair with a casual and modest top. Show some leg, but don't give it all away! Cute shoes with a pop of colour are a must.

I'm wearing:
Topman jacket, Topshop tank,
Zara shorts, Balenciaga Papier Clutch,
Christian Louboutin pumps

Shop my look!

Street style pics by Infashuated.com

The Blonde Cookie for The Blonde Salad!

2013-04-19T11:49:00.000-04:00

I am very excited to announce my recipe collaboration with the beautiful Chiara Ferragni for her blog The Blonde Salad!

Check out The Blonde Cookie exclusively at TheBlondeSalad.com

Just in time for Spring...!

Lauren Lopez' Treats Don't Suck (I tried them)

2013-04-13T12:21:00.000-04:00

So I got this gluten free cookbook the other day in the mail, and after my smugness subsided of I'm-a-food-blogger-and-get-cookbooks-for-free, the title caught my attention reading: "These Treats Don't Suck". I thought, 'well at least I know what I'm getting into here...'

Lauren Lopez

After first flip through I was left astounded... This cookbook is funny? This cookbook is gluten free, dairy free, and funny? The days of pastel cookbooks showcasing equally pastel cupcakes all in fluffy pastel settings are over!

I like brains with my baked goods!

The author, Lauren Lopez, is an actor, singer, dancer, and writer starring along the likes of (every girl's crush) Darren Criss in Harry Potter spin-off "A Very Potter Senior Year" and a slew of other musical productions. (See her full list of credits at IMDB here.) She also eats gluten free, and so made a cookbook of course! What aren't you doing woman!

I wanted to share her Dunkaroons recipe - my favourite from the cookbook - and I can safely say: they don't suck. Moist gluten and dairy free macaroons dipped in chocolate... yes please.

Lauren's Dunkaroons

For the recipe, you can purchase her book HERE, available in a week!

These dunkaroons are good all year round, but especially in spring. And as the weather warms, here I am finally baring my legs! Try swapping your dark blazers for white, but have a cozy woolen on hand (think scarf or hat) as it gets cool in the evenings. And make your look really pop for spring with some neon or metallic accessories.

I'm wearing:

Zara blazer, Topshop tank,

Roberto Cavalli skirt, Carvela Kurt Geiger flats,

Blanco purse, hat from Denmark

Street Style Pics by James Buford Infashuated.com

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BunnieCakes Vegan & Gluten Free Bites of Love

2013-04-08T13:10:00.000-04:00

I'm on a veggie juice cleanse today (ie no food, just juice), reminiscing about my visit last week to BunnieCakes bakery in Miami. Why I ever decided to do a juice cleanse the same day I write about velvety cakes is beyond me... With each photo that I upload, it takes me back to that abundant first bite, full of moist richness that was the chocolate coconut... or key lime pie... or banana chocolate chip...

And I gulp down more celery juice.

Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Coconut cupcakes, Strawberry heart doughnut.

BunnieCakes offers all organic, vegan and gluten free baked goods (I suppose that's close enough to a juice cleanse) in a tempting array of flavours, which made it difficult for me to choose. First world problems I know... Eventually, my indecision gave way to the likes of chocolate coconut, key lime pie, and a strawberry doughtnut. (Ok, and a 6 pack of assorted mini cupcakes).

The Cake Counter

Strawberry

Passionfruit

Can we just pause for a moment and reflect on the fact that they made GUAVA cupcakes?! Very unique, and exceptional flavour...

Guava

Banana Chocolate Chip

Chocolate Doughnuts

Nestled in a trendy neighbourhood near the Miami Design District, its worth peeling yourself off the beach for a visit. I'm not sure how they get their cakes so moist (and perhaps the little hearts on every cake swayed me,) but this is hands-down one of the best vegan gluten-free bakeries I've been to. Check out their website here.

"Our heart with every cupcake!"

Standing outside BunnieCakes looking exceptionally smug with my purchase.

Strawberry heart doughnut... yes please.

And speaking of those little cupcake hearts... I have recently fallen in love with a new British clothing line of luxury T-shirts called L.O.F. (Language of Flowers). Started by two best friends, they offer true luxury in every sense, where you get more than just a T-shirt of exceptional quality, but an experience of the most romantic and wistful variety.

As seen at Soho Beach House Miami.

Based on an old British Victorian tradition of offering flowers in place of verbal expressions of emotion, each T-shirt is adorned with a hand-drawn flower design representing its own respective sentiment. I got Viola with violets meaning "Love At First Sight", but you must check out their website to see the other flower designs and their meanings. A romantic story to experience and share in every top!

Viola - Love At First Sight

Did I mention that each top comes with a little packet of flower seeds, so you can plant the actual flower? I mean ladies, what haven't you thought about?! Eucalyptus pulp organic cotton fabric? Nope thought about that too... Exceptionally soft and silky on the skin I must say...

I'm wearing:
L.O.F. top, Zara shorts,
Thierry Lasry shades,
Balenciaga clutch, Zara sandals

www.ilovelof.com

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My day finished at the beach with a key lime pie cupcake at sunset...

Bottega Louie: The LA 'je ne sais quoi'...

2013-04-03T01:00:00.001-04:00

I was a bit skeptical at first. Could true refinement in patisserie really exist in downtown LA? No doubt the housewives of Beverly Hills over-night special order their macarons from Paris, but for the more humble set, was there really a local downtown option that didn't compromise on this haute standard?

Everyone and their mother (ie my friends) kept telling me I couldn't leave LA without visiting Bottega Louie and that it was everything Haut Appétit... So I got in my rental car, drove to downtown LA, and discovered a veritable gem of a pastry shop filled with little dreams of confection perched behind glass cases. It does exist...!

A rainbow of macarons greets you at one entrance of this Italian establishment, where well-kept young men in white smock serve up your hearts desire. It took me some time to wrap my head around the French patisseries held under an Italian name, but after one bite I was convinced.

Every gateau is made with exquisite expertise, offering American favourites, like this Key Lime Pie, with a delicate French touch.

("La Framboise Bûche" should be a lipstick colour...)

An impressive space of lofty proportions flanked with floor to ceiling windows and marble floors greeted me with such grandeur that I left the beach and sandals behind... (Until I realized I was barefoot in the store, and had to go outside and put my Tods back on. I call this: The Bottega Louie Effect.)

What to choose...

I decided on a raspberry pistachio tart, topped with a gold leaf. And somehow a rose macarons and blackberry tart made its way onto my plate...

The manager was so hospitable and welcoming to my blog efforts that I quickly settled in at a marble table to indulge in the sweets before me. Thank you Bottega Louie!

YUMMY!

My look of the day complimented the likes of pastel patisserie and pattern play. Mixing prints is a favourite of mine for any look, any season... (See this look when I visited vegan and gluten free donutery Fonuts earlier in the day). And, always look cute to eat cake...

I'm wearing:
Topshop leopard top, vintage trousers,
Prada bag, Tods loafers,
American Apparel glasses (prescription!)

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Fonuts aka Faux Donuts: Only in LA

2013-03-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

Always fresh & hot...

Its a place where women look ageless, every fantasy of the mind can be created, and cities you thought you'd never visit become your backyard... botox, movie sets, superstars, and now... Donuts? Los Angeles is a place where faux is taken to the next level.

Glazed with sprinkles

Fonuts is the recent faux business addition to the LA scene, where doughnuts are the item of the hour. They're real (don't fret, you can eat them) but these doughnuts come more guilt free, that is baked, vegan and gluten free. So you might not be getting the milk and butter deep-fried equivalent, but you sure are getting all the taste. Faux really never tasted so good.

Fonuts is known for their unique and tantalizing assortment of flavours to the likes of Earl Grey, Rosemary & Olive Oil, Chocolate Hazelnut, and Vanilla Latte.

I ordered 6 mini fonuts: chocolate sprinkle, earl grey, and strawberry

Vanilla Latte

These "fake" doughnuts tasted so convincingly real, moist, and delicious that it even made me consider a face lift. The things LA will do to the mind...

My box of 6 minis wrapped in yellow ribbon.

Chocolate was the first in order...

Don't forget to visit their website for more on flavours and ordering HERE.

This is the feeling after biting into an Earl Grey (experiencing nirvana).

My bakery style for the day reflected a very doughnut appeal that inspired an idea to create a leopard print doughnut glaze... Deep thoughts. (Please someone make this.) And when in LA, always wear palm trees on your pants.

I'm wearing:

Topshop sweater, vintage trousers,

Tod's loafers, American Apparel glasses,

Catbird rings

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So now for a flip, the next bakery of the day was the real-deal of French patisserie... Stay tuned!

Easter Bread with a Twist

2013-03-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Liven your Easter with this whimsical sweet bread that is traditionally made for Greek and Russian Orthodox Easter celebrations, but is common to many Easter baking traditions across Eastern Europe and even Italy. Making this loaf is a bit of a process, but the impressive and delicious outcome is worth every step. I would set aside a morning or afternoon on the weekend to make it.

The Easter bunny couldn't have been happier with me...

So what's the twist? Instead of regular sugar, I used lavender sugar for a bit of festive colour.

Easter Bread with a Twist

For blue eggs:

6 large white eggs

1-2 Tblsp blue food colouring (adjust as desired)

1 Tblsp vinegar

1/2 cup water

(You can also buy naturally blue eggs at some farmer's markets and grocery stores!)

For dough:

2/3 cup whole milk

5 tablespoons lavender sugar

1 3/4 tsp active dry yeast

2 large eggs, room temp

2 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) room temp butter, cut into 1" cubes, and a Tblsp extra to melt

1 large egg for brushing

To do…

For the blue eggs:

Hard-boil the eggs by gently placing them in a medium pot, pour in water to cover by 1", and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 2mins, then remove from heat, and cover with a lid for 10mins to continue cooking. Remove the eggs from the water with a spoon and gently set on a plate lined with paper towel to dry off. Allow to cool to room temperature.

In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup water, 1 Tblsp vinegar, and 1-2 Tblsp blue food colouring. With a spoon, or strainer spoon, dip your eggs in the dye and roll them around to cover. How dark you want the eggs to dye depends on you!

Remove egg from the dye and place onto a wire rack (with paper towel underneath to catch the drips), and allow to dry.

Eggs can be made up to one week in advance.

For the dough:

I used a stand-mixer with a dough hook to make this dough. You could use a food processor, or your hands!

Heat milk in a small saucepan on medium heat until bubbles just start to form around the edges (if you have a thermometer should be 110-115C). Transfer the milk to a 2-cup measuring cup. Whisk in 1 Tblsp lavender sugar, and the yeast to combine. Let sit until yeast is foamy, about 5mins. **Be sure the milk isn't too hot otherwise you will kill the yeast and the bread won't rise!!**

When it has become foamy, whisk in 2 eggs until smooth.

In the stand-mixer, with the dough hook attachment, combine the flour, salt, and remaining sugar. Add the milk mixture. With the mixer running, slowly add the butter one cube at a time. Knead the dough on medium-high until the dough is soft and smooth, approx 5 mins.

Brush a medium bowl with melted butter; form the dough into a ball with your hands and place in the bowl. Brush with melted butter. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 1 - 1 1/2 hours in a warm place.

You can make this dough one day in advance, in which case keep in the fridge after it has risen. Before you use the dough, remove from fridge and allow to come to room temp before working.

Assembly:

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly sprinkle with flour. Lightly flour your hands. Punch down the dough, then place on the baking sheet. Cut into equal parts, and roll with your hands into 16" long rope pieces. If the dough is springy and bounces back, just cover and allow to rest for 10mins.

Aline the ropes lengthwise, side by side, leaving some space between. Pinch the ends together at one end, then braid the dough. Pinch the bottom end together. (Loaf will now be about 12" long).

Squeeze the blue eggs between the braid gaps. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place for another 45mins.

Preheat the oven to 375F, and arrange the rack in the middle. Whisk one egg with 2 tsp warm water and brush over the loaf, avoiding the eggs. Bake until the bread is golden, 20-25mins. Allow bread to cool, but serve warm!

Recipe adapted from BonAppetit.com

Considering this bread is common in Eastern European Orthodox Easter celebrations, I channeled Slavic inspiration for my ensemble through fur, while still being spring-appropriate. Blue accents were all over the fall/winter 2013 runways this season, and I like to start early with my trends. So I add blue accents to my look (and bread), to step into spring in style.

I'm wearing:
Thierry Lasry sunglasses, BCBG Max Azria fur vest,
Miss Selfridge dress, Topshop boots
Balenciaga Papier Tote

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The Best Gluten & Dairy Free Tiramisu

2013-03-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

If you are a gluten and dairy free eater, this tiramisu will change your life. I don't usually make outlandish statements, but I can't stress enough how sinfully good this tastes, considering its so gluten and dairy without... My life has been made one tiramisu piece better, and I'm living this coffee coconut cream dream.

Biting into this is like biting into a creamy cloud of coffee and chocolate. I used coconut cream to make the cream layer, but it thankfully doesn't give a strong coconut flavour, so the authentic tiramisu taste is preserved. Little layers of heaven and earth if I do say so myself...

The Best Gluten & Dairy Free Tiramisu

You will need…

3 large egg yolks

3 large egg whites

5 Tblsp sugar

2 Tblsp dark rum

1 cup coconut cream, cooled in the fridge **

pinch of salt

2 packages Schar Gluten Free Lady Fingers

2 cups room temp Americano (espresso with water), or very strong flavoured coffee

1/8 cup cocoa powder for dusting

1 bar of dark chocolate for shaving

To do…

** How to get coconut cream: Flip a can of full fat coconut milk (must be full fat, otherwise you won't get coconut cream) upside down, and place in the fridge for several hours to firm. Remove the can from the fridge and open the can the right side up. Pour the coconut milk liquid away, and you will be left with thick coconut cream at the bottom. For step by step instructions see HERE.

Separate the eggs into yolks and whites (egg whites keep in a small bowl on the side). In a stand mixer, or with electric beaters, beat the egg yolks on medium high, adding in the sugar one tablespoon at a time. Add the rum, then add the coconut cream, one large spoonful at a time, until well incorporated. Turn off the beaters.

In a large baking dish, pour the espresso into the pan and soak the ladyfingers. They should absorb the liquid so that they are soft, but not falling apart. I didn't have espresso at my house, so I just ran to the local coffee shop and ordered two large iced Americanos to go!

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and a pinch of salt on high, until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold the whites into the egg yolk mixture. Place in the fridge while arranging the ladyfingers in the pan…

In a deep, glass baking tray, approx. 9"x11", neatly arrange the ladyfingers at the bottom. Don't be afraid to break some pieces so that they fit snuggly together.

On top of the ladyfingers, layer half of the egg yolk mixture and smooth out.

Continue with another layer of ladyfingers.

Add the rest of the egg yolk mixture and smooth out. Sprinkle with cocoa powder and chocolate shavings.

** To make chocolate shavings, run the cutting edge of a large knife along the top of a bar of chocolate, pressing down firmly, and pulling towards you.

Cool in the fridge for at least 5 hours before serving.

This classic Italian dessert inspired my look of the day - reminiscent of my time spent modelling in Milan. A Dolce&Gabbana number of course...

I'm wearing:
Dolce&Gabbana jacket, H&M top
Dolce&Gabbana bag, Joseph leather trousers
Christian Louboutin pumps
Catbird rings

Shop My Look!

The World's Most Expensive Cupcake

2013-03-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

vaultmagazine.com

I don't usually blog about these "most expensive" items the world has produced (because I think its a bit tacky), but this one stopped me in my tracks. I had to share with my readers... And minus a trip to Dubai to actually try what gold dust and chocolate tastes like (terrible I'm sure...), there was more than enough hype online. I never thought food could be so extravagantly adorned with gold, but Dubai never fails at having the biggest and priciest of, well, next to everything. (Let's not forget the downhill ski slope in the middle of the desert.)

Introducing: The Golden Phoenix Cupcake.

blog.zagat.com

Watch the making of The Golden Phoenix Cupcake...

A young entrepreneur Shafeena Yusuff Ali, CEO of haute bakery Bloomsbury's in The Dubai Mall, created the cupcake. Why you ask? Well why wouldn't you put 24k gold on a chocolate cupcake! Duh.

And there is a charitable side to every gold leaf... 50% of the proceeds from each cupcake go to The World Food Programme. So, the question on everyone's mind: how much does it cost?

A whopping $1000 (Dh3,700)!! A thousand dollars for a golden cupcake... money well spent.

And speaking of gold leaf, add a metallic piece to immediately on-trend your wardrobe, like this coat worn by Giovanna Battaglia at Paris Fashion Week FW 2013. Giovanna is one of my favourite stylists, and I love how she pairs her metallic coat with a heavy tweed skirt.

Follow Haut Appétit on Blog Lovin'!

2013-03-07T15:34:00.000-05:00

Are you on Blog Lovin'? For more fashion and dessert encounters follow me on Blog Lovin' at Haut Appétit!

Either find Haut Appetit on the Blog Lovin' homepage here, or click the follow button on the HautAppetit.com homepage (on your right!)

A Brief Encounter with Pierre Hermé in Paris

2013-03-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Cherry (cassis) Macaron by Pierre Hermé

My brief day in Paris continued... Lunch at Angelina (see blog post) was followed by a mandatory visit to one of my favourite patisseries in the world Pierre Hermé. Unassumingly squeezed between neighbouring shops on rue Cambon, I stepped inside just in time to avoid a long line that began to form out the door. And if the Parisian palette lines up for macarons, that means they must be good...

Pierre Hermé rue Cambon, Paris.

Pierre Hermé will be forever in my sweet books for creating such revolutionary combinations of flavours like salted caramel, and this Milena that I ordered - a mix of mint and mixed berry. Menthe et fruits rouges... who would have thought.

Milena - Mixed Berry and Mint (fruits rouges et menthe) Macaron by Pierre Hermé

Having just enjoyed two petits gâteaux at Angelina around the corner, I limited my macarons purchase to two. Cassis (cherry) and a Milena. Everything in moderation...

They didn't let me take photos inside the patisserie, so I got my macarons and skidaddled... Upon rounding the corner, my sugar high was met by supermodel Doutzen Kroes. Only in Paris will you see leggy supermodels sauntering off-duty past exquisite pastry shops.

Model Doutzen Kroes

Dior, we get the picture! J'adore!

A view of Place Vendôme

A quick stop in Colette - a must every time I'm in Paris...

Olympia Le Tan (my fav!) displayed at Colette.

Admiring the patisseries that dotted the store fronts along rue Saint-Honoré... Of course I couldn't try them all at once, so I have good excuse to keep returning to Paris.

Window display of Jean-Paul Hévin Chocolatier, rue Saint-Honoré.

Window display of Cluizel Chocolatier, rue Saint-Honoré.

I then made my way past Place Concorde toward Grand Palais where they hold most of the big shows for Paris Fashion Week. I got a brief sneak peek at the preparations back stage...

Chanel Fall/Winter 2013 show at Grand Palais.

Admiring the beaux-arts style architecture as I left Grand Palais and finished off my day in the 8ième arrondissment... A meeting to organize an upcoming Haut Appétit event!

This 'sneakers' trend has soundly cemented itself into the streets of NY, but now Paris? Indeed... these street style looks from Paris Fashion Week prove a global trend is taking over! Get out your kicks, and pair them with a casual chic look (dark coats are key).

WWD.com

Fall into Heaven at Angelina Paris

2013-02-27T15:23:00.000-05:00

I keep coming back... That whirlwind romance of passionate affair, that never becomes practical enough to be long-term, but irresistible enough to tempt my appetite - a heart that never quite gets enough. Each time becomes more familiar, yet more perilous, as one day I just might fall in... Fall completely in love with everything that is Paris. On this particular day, I fell into... Angelina.

Every day, the offerings of life inspire me. People, places, colours, things... I find inspiration in the mundane to the masterful. For this day, the inspiration was found in the contrast of black and white - reworked and unpretentious. Cuisine should never be pretentious enough that it no longer tastes like food, and fashion should never be pretentious enough that it no longer is stylish. So perhaps that was my sentiment for the day... In a city with a renowned legacy in the contrasting traditions of fashion and food, I found effortless, unpretentious, chic.

My mood board for the day.

I arrived early to Paris, to an awakening Gare du Nord, only to be there for the day before heading back to London on the Eurostar. Le Jardin des Tuileries became my first stop - a grand but romantic garden leading out from the Louvre and conveniently placed right in front of the pâtisserie du jour, Angelina.

I was ushered to a small table in the middle of the room where I had a perfect view of my elegant surroundings. I got right to it, ordering (en français of course) a black and white combination of perfectly made pastries: a Choc Africain and a Tarte Agrumes Passion. What a fine contrast of taste and aesthetic.

Choc Africain -
A dark chocolate mousse covering a dark chocolate soft biscuit center, all made of dark chocolate originating from Africa.

Tarte Agrumes Passion -
A sweet pastry shell, filled with an orange and passionfruit cream, candied citrus, a touch of mango cream, topped with a honey meringue.

I could barely dare to break the beautifully crafted mousse structures, hesitating slightly as my fork fell into the pillows of soft dark chocolate mousse and honey meringue.

Absolute perfection. The allure of the sweet folds and plump mouse was enough temptation to try my every restraint. And so I ate half of each...

A couple sitting to my right reminded me that style is ageless. No matter the age, Parisian women always looks effortlessly en vogue. This woman lunching with her husband, looked effortlessly chic (yet somehow unpretentious in front of the hand-painted wall mural) mixing fur with lace, black frames, and an Hermès Birkin bag. But, I thought he could have used some help...

After my tea and petits gâteaux, I could barely get up to leave the grand dining room bustling with suited waiters, tourists, and local Parisians for I didn't want to leave the blissful ambiance of the whole affair.

Before leaving, I passed by their to-go counter to survey what held the most bountiful collection of beautifully crafted little cakes I had ever seen. Only in Paris...

Now really, how does one choose between this selection? I think a tasting menu is in order...

Saori - Le Cheesecake Japonais
A Japanese cheesecake of lime cheesecake covered in a white chocolate shell, with strawberry marshmallows on top! (A Millefeuille on the left)

Saint Honoré -
Puff pastry base with choux pastry balls covered in caramel, soft caramel centre, and vanilla bourbon whipped cream (Choc Africain to the left, Chocolate Éclair to the right)

Pistachio macarons

I wistfully left Angelina behind as I exited onto Rue du Rivoli and took a stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries towards the Louvre.

All bundled up in the Jardin des Tuileries (it was freezing!)

I'm wearing:

Thierry Lastry sunglasses, snood that I knit, Joseph coat

Prada bag, Joseph leggings, Topshop boots

Musée du Louvre

As Paris Fashion Week ensued, I spotted this quintessentially dressed Parisienne enjoying a cigarette in front of the Louvre. Parisian women never wear much makeup in favour of a more natural look, but red lipstick is usually a must. Hair is slightly tousled and unkept, in keeping with the au naturel vibe, and the attire is always chic yet understated. Et n'oublie pas la cigarette...

My day continued with a visit to one of the best pâtisseries in the world... But you will have to check back to Haut Appétit in the next few days to see which...! Goodnight Paris...

Photo by my dear friend Thierry Levy

Be sure to check out the pâtisseries list on their website HERE.

Tape Magazine Interview

2013-02-26T18:40:00.000-05:00

This past New York Fashion Week, between (carefully) running around in a snow storm covering the shows, Tape Magazine interviewed me on all things fashion and food related... namely, all things Haut Appétit. Read the full interview here in their digital issue.

Read the full interview HERE.

Afternoon Tea at The Fan Museum London

2013-02-22T11:33:00.000-05:00

Victoria Sponge at the Fan Museum's Afternoon Tea

When scientists established Greenwich Mean Time at The Royal Observatory in Greenwich London (and thus time zones as we know it) I'm most certain they were simultaneously establishing tea time, no doubt at the Fan Museum mere minutes down the road! This afternoon tea certainly was on the nose in every sense, offering one of the best teas in London, in beautiful surroundings, without the stuffy atmosphere.

Hand-painted wall murals trailed greenery into the sky ceiling as I sipped at English Breakfast and took manageable bites of fruit cake.

The atmosphere was so delightfully unpretentious - a rarity in afternoon tea rooms across London - that I drifted into the sunlight that poured into the bay windows and languished in every unaffected bite.

The tea cakes were not so sweet, which I enjoyed, offering a more hearty and full-bodied taste.

The scone with apricot jam (instead of the usual strawberry) was delightful, which I then followed with the almost savoury fruit cake, and chocolate brownie that needed special attention...

I hadn't yet been blown away by the somewhat safe desserts... And then I tried the Victoria Sponge... A perfect balance of dense and light texture, not daring to be too sweet, and lovingly sandwiching the cream and jam, it was by far the best Victoria sponge I've tasted!

Fresh flowers flanked the windowsill.

A frame of the hand-painted mural.

The garden behind the museum.

Welcoming entrance to the Fan Museum.

One of the exquisite fans in the collection.

If you don't visit the museum for its extensive collection of some of the most beautiful old fans I've seen, dating back centuries, then please at least visit for its Victoria Sponge...

And on the note of lovely gardens and floraled murals... My attention has been drawn to the recently launched British label "Language of Flowers", which cleverly incorporates the Victorian meaning of flowers into unique T Shirt designs on the softest cotton... I love when brains and beauty come together! A visit to their website is a must.

With each T shirt, you get a packet of flower seeds respective to the featured flower!

A sneak peak of Viola, and it will need to be incorporated into my spring style...

MB Fashion Week Special: Day 7

2013-02-20T18:57:00.003-05:00

Day 7 look of the day.
I'm wearing: vintage top, Zara skirt,
Sergio Rossi shoes, Céline bag
Thierry Lasry Sunglasses,
Muhlbauer fur

wegoodlooking.com

Shop My Look!

Day 7 couldn't have been made any better... First, Fox Home Entertainment sent an Aston Martin to drive me to the shows, then American Express fed my sweet cravings in the Amex Lounge, and most importantly I got to see one of my favourite shows of NYFW, J Mendel.

Aston Martin

Aston Martin V12 Vantage waiting to drive me to the shows.

My driver John.

Sittin pretty.

Exiting Mr Martin at Lincoln Center.

Amex VIP Lounge

The Amex Lounge was a plush environment to enjoy the J Mendel show where the view from above (and berry tarts) nearly competed with the coveted frow.

Berries and Bazaar. Please note the Berry Tart on the left.

It was very dark in the lounge due to the shows, but I managed the cookie snap.

I love getting chocolate bars in gift bags... thanks Amex.

J Mendel

Understated luxury was portrayed through luxurious fabrics of fur, leather, and crushed velvet displayed in sophisticated lines. Earth tones of chestnut, forest greens, blacks, and whites were featured, and I especially loved the red carpet worthy gowns to close. A favourite…

J Mendel finally from the Amex Lounge Skybox.

Milly

The day then continued on with Milly, where Neon and cobalt blues teamed with sophisticated blacks for a playful and contemporary throwback to the 80s. The vibe was edgy and easy à la "I'm hot and I don't give a F$%@!" I loved the unkept tousled hair evocative to that of the Parisian boho chic. Plaid combinations were also on tap.

Falguni and Shane Peacock

From the frow at Falguni and Shane Peacock, I was witness to the intricate beadwork that detailed the metallic gowns that commanded the runway. The soft femininity of the collection was cut through with structural metallic corsetry, and shiny latex gloves, reminding me of a woman's provocative nature and strength, all the while gently alluring.

My thoughts for Fall 2013 trends? Don't be without fur, leather, plaid, flashes of neon, et n'oublie pas "understated luxury".

MB Fashion Week Special: Day 6

2013-02-20T18:54:00.000-05:00

My shoot and interview for Tape Magazine coming soon... Watch the behind the scenes video here!

MB Fashion Week Special: Day 4 & 5

2013-02-20T18:52:00.001-05:00

Snow Blizzard Nemo came to an end, and I blissfully stepped out into the sun to enjoy more that fashion week had to offer...

Joanna Mastroianni

My favourite part of the Joanna Mastroianni show, was the front row attendee Iris Apfel (and perhaps that isn't saying much about the collection...) But if you must know anything about fashion, its to know that Ms Apfel is one of the longest standing fashion icons of our time. Her wardrobe is one I covet, her legacy is one I respect, and her fashion trend foresight is one that inspires. She is a very red apple indeed...

Metallics were the predominate feature in her collection, where bright pink and purple tones brightened up the overall darker appeal. However, I wasn't blown away as it lacked the wow factor. Watch the Joanna Mastroianni collection here...

Kaufman Franco

Day 5 was highlighted by the Kaufman Franco show, where The collection was unexpectedly, yet effortlessly, sexy. Again, leather, fur, and black was featured, as seen in many of the FW 13 collections. The open-back cascading gowns, with sharp cut-out detailing was a stand-out feature to note. More just-got-out-of-bed hair points to a clear hair trend for Fal - i.e. ditch the hairbrush.

A Chocolate Dipped Valentine

2013-02-13T21:52:00.003-05:00

Whether you're a lonely heart...

Or in a pas de deux...

... These Chocolate Dipped Rose Shortbread Cookies will set your heart a flutter.

Chocolate Dipped Rose Shortbread Cookies

You will need...

3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperate
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
4 tsp rose water
1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
200g (2 bars) good quality dark chocolate, finely chopped
heart-shaped cookie cutter

Directions...

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a stand mixer, or electric mixer, cream the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and rose water.

Finally, on low speed, add the flour until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Place the dough in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for about an hour.

Roll the dough onto a floured surface to about 1/2" thick. Using the heart shaped cookie cutter, cut out heart shapes and place onto the baking sheet. Bake for 25-30mins until just golden on top. Set aside to cool.

Place a sheet of parchment paper on a cooling wrack or the counter top. In a double-boiler, melt the chocolate until smooth. Remove from heat. Dip the side of each heart-shaped cookie into the chocolate and place onto parchment paper to cool.

Makes about 24 cookies.

Recipe adapted from savorysimple.net

Buy this cookie cutter to hang off the end of your mug here.

This year, Valentine's Day marks the last day of Mercedes Benz fashion week in New York. What a perfect way to celebrate the new Fall/Winter trends of 2013 with my rose shortbread cookies... not that I'm biased. The looks on the runway for FW 2013 featured indulgent materials of fur, leather, and beaded embellishments. So here's to more indulgence, and my favourite shows of the season...

Its a tie...

J Mendel FW 2013

wwd.com

Victoria Beckham FW 2013

wwd.com

MB Fashion Week Special: Day 3

2013-02-10T22:05:00.003-05:00

Day 3 word of the day: teetering.

I'm wearing: Joseph coat, vintage top and skirt,
Nicholas Kirkwood boots, Dolce & Gabanna bag
Pic: guestofaguest.com

Shop My Look!

After a snow storm, trying to get to the shows in 4inch heels results in teetering, of the most elegantly attempted variety. And so, the mass wobbling and teetering of attendees to the shows became somewhat ridiculous, but isn't that the way with most things in fashion! In Nicholas Kirkwood booties, I funnelled into the Christian Siriano show to await... dramatic luxe.

Christian Siriano

One golden shoe takes charge of the runway.

Pic: Arun Nevader, Getty Images

Christian Siriano featured ornamented sheer gowns, luxe fabrics of fur and satin, and shoes gilded in gold. Black, gold, and red were the favourite colours, reminiscent of "the golden age of the Russian Opera" (says Siriano), making each piece strikingly dramatic. My favourites included a fur crop top, and a sheer gown in gold.

Pic: wwd.com

Alexandre Herchcovitch

With Alexandre Herchcovitch in Amex VIP Lounge, after his (art) show.

Alexandre Herchcovitch is one of the most underrated designers of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Or perhaps its merely that he hasn't received the same mass-media commercial attention to that of his contemporaries, making him all the more respected in his craft. Humility is the mother of the greatest creations...

wwd.com

He brought his native Brazil to the runway with statement reds, white, and green, then played them into floral patterns, finishing off with confident stripes against billowing lines.

wwd.com

My favourite look.

wwd.com

The looks were sophisticated yet whimsical, elegant yet playful, passionate yet reserved... The juxtapositions in style left me reeling, with so many questions left unanswered (blindfolds?) - of course I wanted more! And so, I ate some cupcakes...

Cupcakes in the Amex VIP Lounge from Baked By Melissa. Orea, choc chip, and chai.

The American Express VIP Lounge took care of me before and after the show, and of course I had to ask Alexandre what his favourite dessert was... chocolate! I knew it. Anyone who designs dresses like he does must love chocolate.

Baked By Melissa cupcakes were on offer in the Amex VIP lounge, and my Haut Appétit sensibility couldn't have been more pleased to find cupcakes at a fashion show.

Jill Stuart

Another favourite of the day...